Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Battling this awful disease

My dog Bailey has been diagnosed with AIHA the beginning of May and went from a joyful 7 year old Lab to a very sick dog, bounced back and then came down with a complication. She spent last night at the ER because she had developed a fever and apparently liver damage. She has been on Prednisone 60mg every day (just started to give it every other day), and Azathioprene 50 mg every other day. Her PCV had gone up to 27% last week and was 18% yesterday. She is also taking Denamatrin (on pill 7 now), chinese herbs, digestive enzymes and fatty acid oils. I am working with a specialist who is at a loss with her. A bone marrow test came back negative for non regenerative anemia, and now they are saying she apparently still has non regenerative anemia. She was put on Urosidol (sp?) today as well and the Azathioprene is discontinued. Now only prednisone. I have started to introduce the liver cleansing diet to her to repair the damage. Her gums are really pale and PCV was 21%. I am devastated and don't know what to do anymore. Am I missing something? She is in good spirits but so weak. My vet didn't tell me about protecting her liver and blames a rare case of adverse side effect of the azathioprene. Reading in this forum, I got the idea to buy denamarin and start that. What else can I do for her? I am not willing to lose her and just want to do everything possible for her. Vet said Pepcid isn't needed since she doesn't have vomiting or diarrhea. Can I still give it to her? If so, when is the best time? Any help or advice is really appreciate, I am desperate :-(

Stefanie California

I don't have much advice to offer, but want to tell you how sorry I am that you are dealing with this awful disease. Our shepherd mix baby was diagnosed June 9th and we're in the process of stuffing him full of drugs that may or may not help, while watching him weaken and waste away from the Prednisone. It's so hard to watch and I feel your pain. I'm sure some more experienced people on here can you some good advice. Prayers for your sweet lab.

Amy Wisconsin

Hi Stefanie, I am too new to AIHA myself to comment much on your specific situation, but I can share a couple of things. Pepcid AC protects the stomach always and is a good thing to take from the beginning and throughout taking predsnisone and azothiaprine. It is pretty cheap and the intent is to prevent trouble and NOT have to treat a problem? I would worry about my vet if they were not doing everything they could to prevent future problems as well as deal with the present problems. Have you asked to see a specialist at all? Pepcid AC is not suffucient after there is an ulcer. Sucralfate protects ulcers after they occur and from what I understand is a good thing to have in the stomach as soon as an ulcer occurs, sooner is better. Some choose to give it right away and others, like myself have given pepcid AC. I keep close eye out for anything that could indicate an ulcer, like blood in the stool, or hesitation to eat (I have to be careful on the spending side). I have not given Denmarin to Dylan either (diagnosed mid march), just Milk Thistle, but we have aggresively removed prednisone as it is an evil drug at high concentrations. Since prednisone is hard on the liver and it took all of Dylan's muscle away in 3 weeks, and caused about 10 other symptoms too, this seemed the best way to protect the liver and her body. She eats well and I had not reason to think her liver was a problem in any way (other than AIHA she was very healthy at 10 years). I know the dose used to treat AIHA in the beginning is extremely high, much higher than most other diseases. (AIHA is a scary disease though, really, like you I do know. Dylan's PCV was close to 10 at bottom, within 3 days of her first symptom). What was important in Dylan's case though is that her PCV came up quickly to 39 and stayed above 35 for the next 5 weeks, which allowed us to drop prednisone faster than many do (and with a lot of cautionary advice along the way too). I am seeing more and more people write elsewhere about how prednisone can prevent Red Blood Cell production and my veterinarian thought this was preventing Dylan's PCV from climbing over 39 and in fact was causing it to drop to 37 then 35. I also thought this right away, due to the other things prednisone was doing. This is possibly what you might be seeing. We could see a steady decrease in Dylan's PCV, but now she is only on 10 mg (2 doses of 5) every second day and her energy level is very high and her muscle and body is recovering. (Dylan was never on azathiaprine, or cyclosporine). I am sure there will be many more people providing a lot more detailed information to help you specifically. I can only really explain what we did for Dylan and why. I am kind of assuming your dog was about 60 pounds, or so (lab?) and 60 mg a day is still considered a high dose if that is the case. We did not start dropping full day of prednisone until she was down to 15 mg a day (divided by 2), but we were fairly aggresssive at getting her to 15 mg a day (she was 45lbs and on 90 mg/day to start). I cannot comment on your vetrinarian's advice at all though and am only suggesting that the high prednisone may also be preventing RBC recovery as a possibility. Sorry to hear things are so tough on you both and I hope they turn around very soon for Bailey and yourself, Richard and Dylan ps, 3 month anniversary of her second life was yesterday :-)

Richard Burnaby

Hi Amy Sorry to read about Bailey diagnosis and I hope and pray he gets better soon. Has anyone mentioned adding cyclosporine? I would get him on the pepcid and give it to him about an hour before the meds. Also get some pet-tinic you can get it online. http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Tinic-4-oz-by-Pfizer/dp/B00076HUAA Please keep us updated Cheryl & Ginger (diagnoised in 2007)

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

I'm wondering if they're reducing the meds too quickly. Do you or can you get copies of all the tests done thus far....CBC's and chemistry panels? It's hard to recommend things without knowing more. I'd go ahead and add pepcid daily. You can give it twice daily about an hour before meds. For a lab a good starting dosage may be around 15mg. Call the vet and ask for copies of the tests and we'll go from there. Also have them check the thyroid. Low dose soloxine may be a good idea. Pet tinic...if you can find it is also a very good idea. Lots of thoughts and prayers, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Hi again, I have a lot of experience with autoimmune diseases and these drug protocols in people, which is another reason I was very aggressive at getting away from the extreme high does they used in he first 2 weeks. With Dylan, I just wanted to get the levels of prednisone to where they could keep the immune system suppressed, but not cause so much damage (the dose does matter). 3 weeks and Dylan could not walk and could barely lift her head. It is my opinion that this matters a lot. Prednisone is a very hard drug. Usage in other disease is by starting on a high dose for 4 - 10 days and then halfing it and then a week to 10 days later halfing it again. Depending on the disease, where you slow down and reduce at a lower rate is different. Once we got to 15mg a day with Dylan, I was okay with slowing the reduction rate, as I was beginning to see signs that she was improving and this was my goal from the beginning. I also knew this is where I might see AIHA again as a possibility (I knew 100% that the prednisone had stopped the attack within 4 days of starting her on it, she has slight brain damage from how deeply anemic she was, but from the worst point it then became obvious she was getting better). I am okay now with waiting a bit longer before considering reductions. And I always watch(ed) my dog very closely and know she is(was) improving behaviorally before I do (did) another reduction. Well I feel very very fortunate in her recovery. Last week she pranced into the vet and said hello, just to say hello. No blood test, no other tests, no prodding, just a happy tail wagging hello! I still don't know where AIHA will take her (she is still pretty weak), but I am a strong believer that both AIHA and prednisone are evil and that we fight both for them to survive. I mention this becauese of your comment Amy, "stuffing him full of drugs" because they are dangerous drugs, not apsirin. (my wife took all but cyclosporine for Crohn's disease, 25 years of it). Really hope both your dogs start improving soon. Richard and Dylan

Richard Burnaby

I just want to state again, that my experience is very limited when it comes to AIHA and Johnny and Patrice and others here have been at this a lot longer. From what I can see Dylan is not typical, not in any way. I don't want to create any problems for you and your dogs, but it is so hard for me not to pipe up, as every dog and guardian I see fighting this makes me feel the way I did with Dylan. By battling the disease and prednisone I have Dylan back. Maybe we are just lucky? I do hope Baily starts down that road to recovery again soon, Richard and Dylan

Richard Burnaby

Stefanie, I would highly recommend you get in touch with Dr. Jean Dodds! You can e-mail her at hemopet @ hotmail. com (remove spaces) You would have to send her all the latest CBC results and a short history. AIHA is never straight forward, but it seems there is more going on with Bailey than meets the eye. Dr. Dodds is asking a small fee for this service, I believe it is $45. She is the expert in the field and if you have a specialist that is at a loss, Dr. Dodds would definitely be the one to turn to. Please don't get discouraged, this disease is not a sprint, but a marathon, a rollercoaster ride with a lot of bumps, twists and turns! But never forget there is also hope!!! Please visit Joanne Dicksons Meisha's Hope website and make sure to go to the Success stories page: http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/index.html You will find many stories of dogs that have beaten this disease. Also remember that the liver is an amazing organ that can repair itself. My dog had quite a bit of liver damage but after reducing the medications the liver recovered. I think Denamarin or SamE would be essential when dealing with this disease. I would also recommend a stronger stomach protectant, Sucralfate or Carafate. You can only get this through the vet I believe. Check out Dr. Dodds website at hemopet.org and you will see that she could be the vet that could help you! She is also in California. Good luck and best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC

Richard, Thank you for your experiences. I'm happy to ear Dylan is doing so well. Every little piece of advice is appreciated because I am just ready to fight this disease. It's incredibly frustrating to be making some progress and then having such a major setback. I will consider taking her to another vet after today. I'm also scared the prednisone caused the liver damage and not the azathioprene. And today is pred day:-( but I'm also hoping if the reaction came from the imuran it might have caused bone marrow suppression and will resolve itself now. She originally started out on azathioprene as the only med because she was stable. Then prednisone was added. Johnny I'll see if I can put some of the lab results in here. She's getting another pcv done today and then they'll decide where to go from there. She's very pale and quiet so I'm already bracing myself. Cheryl Thank you. I will do that today. The vet thinks it's not necessary but I don't want to have any more damage but am big on prevention. The holistic vet gave her some probiotics she said would protect her stomach but I'm just going to play it safe. Cyclosporin is the next step but he seems very weary of adding it to her medications. Brigitte I have contacted dr Dodds at the beginning of the month and just did so again and asked for her consult (paid). I have read every webpage and I'm not giving up hope. I'll ask about the stomach protectant. Thank you so much. I'll shop for the pet tinic now. The bad thing is that I'm so scared to give her something that might hurt her. The holistic vet I've seen has said it's not good to have an immunbooster if you're trying to suppress the immune system. Does that make sense?

Stefanie Californka

Sounds like you are doing everything you can possibly do for Bailey. Just give it some time for the meds to kick in and it may take weeks. Ginger did just fine when we added the cyclosporine a few years ago and she is still on a low dosage now, as you know all dogs are different and what works great for one doesn't mean it will work on another. The pet-tinic is more of a liquid vitamin-mineral supplement. Is Bailey eating, if so that is a very good sign:) Let us know how her next blood test goes.

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Thank you, Cheryl. The problem is that it has been 6 weeks and we had some progress and then this set back. The PCV was slowly climbing.... Bailey is eating. She surprised the ER and the internal specialist with her appetite:-) I will post an update as soon as I know.Thank you ;-)

Stefanie California

Stefanie, I am glad you have Dr. Dodds on board! You are doing all that is in your hands. Now it is Bailey's turn. She will have to want to fight and to live. If she does not, there is nothing you can do. If she is not ready to leave you, she will fight. It is a great sign that she is eating, that is certainly step number one. I think your holistic vet is correct, boosting the immune system would not be the right thing at this point. Please mention a strong stomach protectant. Bailey is on high doses of prednisone and azathioprene that could cause ulcers! I would try and prevent that if at all possible. I will be thinking of you and hope for the best for the results today! Brigitte

Brigitte BC

Brigitte, I know she is ready to fight..... Well, PCV is 20% today. I had to leave her at the vet for hospitalization. I am besides myself. She has a fever of 105 and they are going to put her on IV antibiotics. Now they don't think it was the liver after all that caused this step back. Well, the liver is still damaged with those elevated numbers, but apparently there is an infection going on. I will mention the stomach protectant. I also made an appointment at a holistic vet for tomorrow to see if accupuncture or herbs will be beneficial. Vet said she will definitely be able to go there. The azathioprene is totally of Bailey's med list. I am scared as I can be because it was such an abrupt stop. But I guess this infection and fever need to be taken care of first.... and her liver.... I will keep you updated.

Stefanie California

Stefanie - I'm sorry Bailey is in the hospital but it sounds as though you are doing everything possible for her. Do you know her white count? I'm asking b/c my dog was on high doses of Pred and Imuran and his immune system became "too suppressed" - his white count dropped low and he developed an infection his body was unable to fight and he became septic. He pulled through but it was a very serious situation for a few days. I don't mean to scare you but, if you don't know, I'd ask her white count - hopefully, it's adequate and she's able to fight the infection. If it is low, I would ask about backing off the immuno-supressant meds in order to give her body a chance to respond and fight the infection. We had to stop the meds "cold turkey" except for a maintenance dose of pred which terrified me but, in our case, it was the turnaround point for Murray - his PVC began to climb after being stuck in the low 20s for a couple months. Also, it sounds like you have a very smart holistic vet - they are right - at this time you don't want to add anything that will stimulate the immune system - I would run anything you want to try by them first just to be sure it doesn't have this unintended response. I hope you have good news for Bailey soon - hang in there - you are doing a great job for her. Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Bonnie - you mentioned that your dog was stuck in the low 20s for a few months . . . was your dog then anemic and lethargic for a few months as well? Our vet indicated today that if our dog was going to recover, his PCV would be climbing after two weeks on the heavy medications, but he was at 21% last Friday. She didn't offer much hope today.

Amy Wisconsin

It took Ginger at least six weeks for her PCV to climb out of the 20's and even now after four years it is in the low 30's. I think Bailey will perk up once the fever is down and she gets home. Sending our prayers Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Stephanie, For what it's worth, this is my experience. Beau was diagnosed last October. PCV never went very high after that (hovered mid-30's and maybe as high as 38) and then started to drop around December-January. He dropped into low 20's. My vet basically said there was nothing else she could do and I felt like I was being told to take him home to die from this horrid disease. I then went to an Internal Medicine specialist at the vet speciality and emergency center. At first suspecting internal bleeding, he later determined based on blood work and ultrasound that Beau had a very bad bladder infection. While beginning one and later another round of very strong antibiotics, he started to aggressively wean Beau from the prednisone and azathioprine, going from 40 mg/day of pred to his present dosage of 10 mg/every other day, and 35 mg/day of azathioprine to 12.5/mg every third day. Note, however, that as aggressive as the IM specialist was, he never took Beau off the azathioprine even with the infection. He's also told me that this may be Beau's lifetime maintenance dosages, which I'm OK with. As the infection cleared and the drugs were reduced, his PCV continued to rise. At last check about three weeks ago, he was at 40! With this said, I am hoping that this is somewhat like what you may be experiencing and it's an infection that is contributing to this decline. As far as the potential liver damage, this too can be rectified once you get Bailey stable. Beau's liver studies just about broke the record as far as how elevated they were. Gradually coming down... again, baby steps. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP HOPE! As you will often hear people say on this board, IMHA is not a sprint but a marathon. Results are very gradual. Last November I had no idea what this meant. I've learned. And hopefully we will be hearing good things from you soon. My best advice would be to seek out a vet who has extensive experience with this disease at a specialty hospital in your area. Not faulting the "local vet," but they just don't see enough of IMHA to treat it as effectively. GOOD LUCK! Thoughts and prayers are with you and Bailey. Sharon

Sharon PA

Amy - hi, Our experience was different as it seems no two dogs are ever the same. Murray's PCV dropped from the low 30's to the low 20's and it stayed in there for some time. I remember taking him in every week and waiting for them to spin the blood and it just never moved. We did a bone marrow biopsy (which I wouldn't do again) and it suggested non-regenerative IMHA at the level of the bone marrow - so, at the time, he was not producing new blood cells. We also did diagnostics to rule out tumors, etc. Because he didn't drop dangerously low, he didn't require a transfusion, we did have the benefit of time but it took a long time before he responded. He was initially on high doses of Pred., then they added Imuran and when that didn't help, they added cyclosporin but he was only on that for a couple days. From everything I've heard here, the meds take time to work in almost all cases and two weeks would be, in my opinion, considered a pretty lucky response and isn't terribly commmon. I'm sure someone will jump in to correct me if I'm wrong. I do know that it's stated that Imuran can take up to six weeks to have an effect. Given Reggie also has seizures, I would ask your vet about running a full thyroid panel - either through Dr. Dodds organization or Michigan State. It's interesting to me that, like Murray, Reggie has two conditions that can be affected by the thyroid. And, that is something that is usually quite treatable - Dr. Dodds would be of great assistance to you. And, if you choose, you can reach out to her directly - the communication does not have to go through your vet. Only you can make decisions for Reggie as you are the one who knows him best. I have been where you are and I know it feels like an impossible situation but please remember, for what it is worth, that no one, not even the best doctors, know for certain what will happen. If Reggie is not in pain or suffering, then it is up to you if you want to continue. A PCV of 21 is not dangerously low in my experience. I hope this helps. I would also recommend you come back to this forum with any questions or concerns - it was, literally, a lifeline for me some days b/c I didn't have the most supportive vets either. We ended up switching internists in a moment of crisis - not ideal but I wanted to mention it b/c sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Are you close to the veterinary teaching hospital at UW Madison? I was wondering if they may be a resource for you if you wanted to seek a second opinion. Take care - Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

To add to what Bonnie has said... no two dogs are ever the same. Beau for the longest time was perfectly happy with a PCV of 21 or 22. While some dogs may be very lethargic and pale at that level, to see him you would never have known he was that anemic. So don't let the number get you down. Look at the behavior and quality of life. And for God's sake, don't check gums too often! I'm surprised that Beau didn't lift his own jowel for me to see his gums, and believe me -- it made me crazy! He'd be running around and playing and I would see his pale gums and be depressed! Take it one day at a time, one vet visit at a time!

Sharon PA

@ all I don't know her white blood count... They only did the PCV today. They will do a full CBC either today or tomorrow. It depends if they decide to send her home tonight or it stays with the original release date. We are getting into a little financial crisis because we just had to pay almost $1000 yeesterday and now another $1000 added to the already spent couple of thousand $. Nothing is too expensive but at times I feel that the vets I have consulted see their patients as an open check book. Sorry for the vent :-( I also don't think the vet has much experience. He follows his routine and that is being interrupted by Bailey not being a textbook case. I got a call from him and she has a bladder infection, which I had already suspected on Sunday but neither of the vets wanted to do a urinalysis until today :-( I feel at times that I am doing all the leg work :-( The bad thing is that Bailey's in the care of an internal specialist.... At this time, there is only talk about giving her antibiotics, nothing about stopping the prednisone. The Imuran is stopped and I am really scared about that.... I am patient, but I am running really low on my emotional boundaries and have tears in my eyes every time I hear some bad news at the vet... I guess I am an emotional wreck right now :-) But I have high hopes... I know she will do it, she already started to slowly climb to the upper 20s and then this infection happened. It's just a rollercoaster... but when I look at her when she's "only" anemic and she's still happy and a little silly, I know I am doing the right thing and I am not causing her to suffer. So I won't accept anything negative from a vet because I know that she can pull through this... And Amy, don't let the vets scare you. I think this disease is such a challenge to them and they just get stuck because their conventional methods do not work. If Reggie doesn't appear to be in an awful amount of pain, it's worth the wait for the numbers to climb up... Don't give up hope. The new rule in my house is that nothing negative is being said about Bailey. She only hears positive things how she is going to get better and feel better so she can play with her ball again. I swear it helps :-) And Sharon, I really appreciate the pep talk :-) It helps to know that it's not a dead end... I am glad to hear Beau is doing fine.. Cheryl, I am glad Ginger made it and honestly, if the pooches get along fine with a lowgrade anemia, I am willing to take that..

Steph

How is Bailey doing today? Please give us an updated when you have time Sending prayers Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Cheryl, I just got done giving Bailey some watery broth with a syringe. She's still running a fever and she did spend tuesday night at the Er. She's taking vitamin b12 shots now and baytril as well. She was well when I picked her up yesterday but didn't want to drink any water. I took her to a holistic vet for accupuncture and a change in the Chinese herbs. I think she was already running a fever then. I just hope the baytril starts working soon so we can get rid of this uti:-( She's going in again for a pcv today. I pray it has climbed a little bit. It was only 18 yesterday. I'm so scared;-( At least she "drank" a little. Syringe is no issue but she turns her head when I put the bowl in front of her. I don't care if I need to give her all her liquids that way if she only gets better and over this. Any advice how I can get the fever down? I've been putting wet towels on her. Please pray her pcv is up a little today. I'll keep you posted today. Stefanie

Stefanie Cali

Is the fever breaking at all? Any idea what it is currently? You'll have to check it yourself. Anything over 102.5 is considered high and can be (helped) lowered some by using a cool damp cloth and wetting the fur some. Ears and feet are good spots to dampen. Continually monitor the temp rectally (ewwww...hehe) ...you'll get use to it....lol...so that it doesn't drop too low. Generally there's an underlying infection/inflamation as the cause but other things may also cause them...toxic reactions??? The baytril is a very good idea. It should help....when the nose is cool and damp then it's getting better. Oh...and remember to give a probiotic (forti flora???) if you're using antibiotics. Give the probiotic 2 hrs AFTER giving hte antibiotic (baytril). And be sure to give the baytril WITH food cause its one of the heavier drugs to use. I wouldn't want to use it for more than a week maybe? Then switch to something different. Lots of thoughts and prayers, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

The fever is getting better... It was a long, rough day. I had to buy some pedialite because I was getting concerned about dehydration and she went into the vet's as well. Just around 4pm it started to slowly get better. Last time I checked, it was 102.7, which is a huge relief because it was as high as 105.7 I have continually cooled her and the vet told me to put rubbing alcohol on the bottom of her feet. I did that once, and didn't see much difference so I went back to the damp towels. She is battling a UTI. She finally ate some and is more mobile and is even drinking by herself (no more syringes, yay!). Now I hope this is an upward trend because it has set us back to a PCV of 18%, steady from yesterday, but still a point of concern. She's going back in tomorrow because they sent a liver panel off since she looked jaundiced :-( Another PCV tomorrow then too. I am actually supposed to give her Baytril AND Amoxicillin... I am a little concerned about this double whammy but for today I guess I will do so. I will also have to talk about the Prednisone tomorrow.... She is showing some loss of motor control and nearly fell down the stairs, and almost knocked herself over when she bumped into the coffee table..It nearly broke my heart. So, there are still a few hurdles to overcome :-( I only have a powdered probiotic, but I guess I will dissolve it in water and give it to her before we go to bed. Thank you for the advice:-) I don't want to put anymore strains on her body than necessary...

Stefanie

Stefanie, If there is a place in heaven for good mommies, then you will be first in line. It sounds like you are staying calm and attending to each thing as it presents itself. Excellent. Baby steps today, giant steps tomorrow. The infection can be implicated in the drop in pcv. It may resolve when the infection is taken care of. Find some time today for yourself to read a few chapters of a book or take a walk or a nice bath. I know that I could not have gotten through months of taking care of Chance if I had not done a little of this everyday. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Thank you, Patrice. It made me smile to read your post. It was exhausting but so worth it. And I was frantic and in tears a lot of times today;-) just always let them out outside :-) I took ten minutes to myself to decompress and just close my eyes:-) Now I am concerned again since her gums are pale and she's not breathing real deep but more flat. I have no idea what a drop in pcv is like because our anemia came on more gradually. I hope she hasn't dropped drastically through this whole ordeal.

Stefanie

Hi Stefanie, Glad to hear Bailey is progressing. You do sound like you are gettign the hang of this a little. I always had to take breaks in the bathroom to let my emotions out and always tried to be strong for Dylan. You are doing great taking it one small step at a time. Breathing should always vary from a slow quiet breathing to a more rapid deeper breathing while they are sleeping as they go from deep sleep to REM sleep and back (how often this occurs will likely change as they get more anemic). Also, the level of this change (differnece betweren REM and deep sleep) decreases as they get more anemic and the depth of their breathing during the different phases is something to watch for change. Shallow breathing will occur though, especially as they get more anemic and it does indicate how much oxygen they are getting. If it is not ever increasing while they rest and sleep or try to do something, I would be more concerned. Gums will certainly be pale anywhere under 20, but if the tongue is really pale too, that is a sign of deep anemia. Dylan lost the ability to curl her tongue when she lapped water and it lost most of the pink at her worst. Once I was able to stop using a syringe to give her water, she got better from there and that has continued to this day. I hope things do continue to get better for Bailey and yourself too. Richard and dylan

Richard Burnaby

PS. I watched Dylan breath for 4 days. When I was speaking to people on the phone and they would ask what I was doing, I would say, "watching Dylan breath." Don't know her PCV when she hit bottom, but it was very low. Richard

Richard Burnaby

Stefanie, Baytril is the drug that finally worked to clear Beau's infection. It takes a couple days, but then you hopefully will see major changes. Baby steps for now. And while 18 may not be the best PCV reading, it hasn't lowered, so that makes it just fine for now! Fingers crossed for a great report today! Sharon

Sharon PA

Thank you all for your feedback. I have to admit that I am getting scared now at the littlest thing and I ended up taking Bailey to the ER. She was happy to get into the car for a ride and they were so nice to just do a PCV on her. Bailey had stayed there Tuesday night so they all knew her already. I was only charged for the PCV and I am so thankful for that. Well, and I happily admit that I was wrong in my worry and concern because Bailey's PCV went up to 19% :-) I was never so happy to be wrong and for once I actually slept like a rock. Now, today she is quiet, but I know to expect that. She will go in at 11 for another checkup and I think I would like to know what we will do next. I am still waiting for Dr. Dodds' full report on what she thinks should be done. We were supposed to cut down her prednisone to 40 mg every other day starting on Saturday. I am just not sure if that is advisable in her current state. But the pred is having such bad effects as well... She has been on it for 6 weeks now and two of those weeks it was 60 mg every other day with two days where she only got 30 mg. I am scared to taper her off too fast since the Azathioprene was cut out cold turkey. I guess I will see what happens. I am just so happy that the fever is gone now:-)

Stefanie

Did you ever think you'd be so excited to see 1% of anything?!?!? Great news!

Sharon PA

Frantic visits to the vet to check the PCV only to find it is the same as it was before, done that, been there. Aghh. As humans we are always eager to control all things in our life. I am AAAA+ personality. But I had to force myself to step back with Chance and just focus on the things I could influence. I think vets would love it if they could just focus on the treatment of their patient but we owners bring a lot of baggage with us to each visit. A good vet understands that, accepts it and tries to be gracious to the frantic owner. The next time you visit your vet, thank them profusely for their dedication to this profession and their patience with you. Even if you have had some difficulty with your vet, let them know how much you appreciate their experience. Trust Dr. Dodds, she has been doing this for many years. I can assure you she cares deeply about each dog that is sick, she told me that in person. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Stefanie, Chloe was on Ursodiol for almost 11 months. It was Dr. Dodds who recommended it and with the Denamarin and milk thistle, Chloe's liver profile improved tremendously. She was only on Denamarin and milk thistle for first 3 months but then her liver was affected I guess by the high dosage of cyclosporine. The ursodiol somehow helps the liver duct work more efficiently. Chloe's last chem panel was normal for liver enzymes. The med is very expensive though. Good luck with weaning Bailey down from all the drugs. Just don't be in a rush and taper slowly. Dr. Dodds is wonderful. Cheri and Chloe

Cheri Maryland

Just checking to see how Bailey is doing? Please give us an update when you have time. Thanks Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

This thread was discussed between 21/06/2011 and 29/06/2011

Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index

This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.